ch 1 Flashcards
CRIME
This is the violation of the laws of a society by a person or a group of people who are
subject to the laws of that society (citizens). Thus, crime is defined by the State or Federal
government. Essentially, crime is what the law states, and a violation of the law, stated in the
statute, would make actions criminal.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
This is a major social institution that is tasked with controlling
crime in various ways. Police are often tasked with detecting crime and detaining individuals,
courts often adjudicate and hand down punishments, and the correction system implements
punishments and/or rehabilitative efforts for people who have been found guilty of breaking the law.
DEVIANCE
Behavior that departs from the social norm. A rule or norm must be established,
and Someone has to violate that rule or norm, There must be an audience or someone, who
witnesses the act and judges it to be wrong, And there is likely going to be a negative reaction
from that audience that can come in many forms.
FOLKWAYS
These are behaviors that are learned and shared by a social group that we
often refer to as “customs” in a group that are not morally significant, but they can be important
for social acceptance.
MORES
These are norms of morality, or right and wrong, and if you break one it is often
considered offensive to most people of a culture.
TABOO
This is a very negative norm that should not be violated because people will be
upset. Additionally, one may get excluded from the group or society. The nature and the degree
of the taboo are in the mores.
LAWS
These are social norms that have become formally inscribed at the state or federal
level and laws can result in formal punishment for violations, such as fines, incarceration, or
even death. Laws are a form of social control that outlines rules, habits, and customs a society
uses to enforce conformity to its norms.
INTERACTIONS VIEW
States that the definition of crime reflects the preferences and
opinions of people who hold social power in a particular legal jurisdiction, such as the auto
CONSENSUS VIEW
This as it states, implies consensus (agreement) among citizens on
what should and should not be illegal. This idea implies that all groups come together,
regardless of social class, race, age, gender, and more, to determine what should be illegal.
CONFLICT VIEW
Sees society as a collection of diverse groups that can include owners,
workers, wealthy, poor, students, professionals, younger older, and more. This view recognizes
that the creation of laws is unequal and may not have consensus.
DECRIMINALIZATION
: An act becomes decriminalized when it is no longer felonious &
COPS
The first point of contact with the CJS is the cops. The men/women who enforce
laws and protect the people of the US
COURTS
The next phase of the CRJ System is the courts. The primary role of the courts is
to determine if there is enough probable cause to be charged with a crime and if so, what
charges should be part of the indictment
PLEA BARGAIN
A plea bargain is when a deal is made for a reduced sentence if the
defendant pleads guilty.
CORRECTIONS
The correctional system carries out the punishment that is ordered by the
court
